Pathway to Public Service: Legislative internships have launched many on their political journeys.

• Author: South, Holly
• Position: LEGISLATURES

I would never have ended up in state government if not for the legislative internship," says Adam Crumbliss, chief clerk of the Missouri House of Representatives.

Crumbliss' internship with former Representative Gary Burton (R), a family friend and mentor, "encouraged me to get engaged and learn how state government impacts the lives of citizens." He quickly learned that "most legislators and staff, irrespective of political or partisan belief, have a genuine desire to serve their fellow citizens."

The experience gave him "an amazing opportunity to understand the inner workings of the process." In fact, it changed his life. He was so inspired to rejoin the General Assembly that after college, instead of applying to law school, he went back to the Capitol.

Crumbliss' case shows that when an internship program works well, everyone benefits: A student learns firsthand about the legislature and gets real-world work experience. A legislative office enjoys the help of an additional staffer. And a legislature is strengthened by the commitment of a young adult whose appreciation for the institution, state government and public policy leads him to make a career of it.

Learning the Process

Highly regarded internship programs are built on a commitment from the legislature to the program's success, a focus on career development and an emphasis on participation in the legislative process. The good ones tend to attract plenty of applicants.

Connecticut's program, codified in state law in 1969, is administered by a bipartisan committee of senators and representatives who communicate its importance to their caucuses. Interns are engaged in all facets of the legislative process and are encouraged to attend any committee meeting, session or forum on issues of interest to them. They also participate with other students in a mock session. "Our goal is future leader development," Lisa Roy, the program's director, says. "We hope they are inspired by what they see here, so they want to support good policymaking for the state of Connecticut."

Roy says that because universities now emphasize experiential learning, legislatures face stiff competition for the best students. "In response," she says, "we've expanded the career development aspect and are emphasizing that it's a supported program--with training and workshops and a director on-site. We're preparing a higher level of employee."

Running an internship program is an opportunity to cultivate students'...